A school crossing guard who was arrested on suspicion of being drunk on the job went to court Wednesday and apologized, saying she's doing everything she can to get better.

"It was something stupid I did. I regret it in more ways than one, but now I'm paying for it," Patricia Gross said. "That breaks my heart, because I love the kids, you know? Parents, I'm sorry."

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Gross, 51, must return to court in January. She's in a drug and alcohol program, and her most serious charges can be reduced to disorderly conduct and public intoxication if she successfully completes it.

Sharpsburg police said Gross was wearing her traffic vest when she was arrested at 15th and Middle streets on the afternoon of Sept. 20.

"Her duties are to ensure that traffic does stop and that the kids get safely off the bus," Officer Brian Hoebel said.

Witnesses told police Gross was seen walking children across the street and stopping traffic. Police said they also found her with a clear bottle, containing the alcohol she was allegedly drinking.

Officers said their interviews with parents and other community members were evidence enough to make the arrest.

"A lot of them know me. They knew that's not how I was," Gross said. "I was going through a rough time, but that's still not an excuse, and I miss all the kids."

Cambriah Jean-Baptiste said she found Gross, her neighbor, sitting on her front porch, wearing the vest. She said she knew something was wrong when police arrived minutes later to administer a Breathalyzer test and then arrested her.

"She's like, 'I'm fine. I'm fine.' She really was fine. She was just a little bit intoxicated," Jean-Baptiste said.